Table 3.
Estimates of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for each measure based on whether the dominant or the non-dominant upper extremity is affected. Values are expressed as raw scores, percentages of the total scale (where appropriate), and effect sizes.
| MCID if dominant side affected | MCID if non-dominant side affected | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw value | Percent of scale | Effect size | Raw value | Percent of scale | Effect size | |
| Impairment measures | ||||||
| Grip strength (kg) | 5.0 | -- | 0.48 | 6.2 | -- | 0.59 |
| Composite strength (ratio of unaffected side) | Unknowna | -- | -- | 0.22 | 22% b | 0.79 |
| Activity measures | ||||||
| ARAT | 12 | 21% | 0.78 | 17 | 30% | 1.1 |
| WMFT Time (s) | −19 | 16%c | 0.48 | Unknowna | -- | -- |
| WMFT Function | 1.0 | 17% | 0.91 | 1.2 | 20% | 1.0 |
| Participation measures | ||||||
| MAL How well | 1.0 | 17% | 2.0 | 1.1 | 18% | 2.2 |
| Duration of use (hours) | Unknowna | -- | -- | Unknowna | -- | -- |
a
We were unable to estimate MCID values when there was no apparent relationship between the perceived change rating and the mean change on a given measure. See figures 2B, 3B, and 4B.
b
To calculate percentage, total scale was assumed to range from 0.0 to 1.0.
c
To calculate percentage, total scale was assumed to range from 0 to 120 seconds.